SRINAGAR, MAY 21: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo Thursday inaugurated the PostGraduate Research Programme (PGRP) Conclave-2026 at Government Dental College (GDC) Srinagar.

Addressing a large gathering of doctors, academicians, researchers and students on the occasion, the Minister underscored the importance of research and innovation in strengthening the healthcare sector and improving patient care. She said that platforms like the PGRP conclave provide an opportunity for young medical professionals and scholars to showcase their research work, exchange ideas and contribute towards advancements in medical science.

Sakeena Itoo lauded the efforts of the faculty, students and organisers for conducting the conclave and encouraging a culture of scientific inquiry and academic excellence. She said that research-based learning is essential for addressing emerging health challenges and ensuring quality healthcare services for the people.

“Doctors play a pivotal role in society and the profession of medicine is one of the noblest professions meant to serve humanity with dedication, compassion and commitment,” the Minister said.

The Minister urged young doctors and researchers to remain committed to ethical medical practices and continue striving for excellence in patient care and scientific research. She also highlighted the government’s commitment towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure, promoting medical education and encouraging research activities across the Union Territory.

AWANTIPORA, MAY 21: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Thursday visited Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) and inaugurated the Centre for Good Governance & Policy Analysis (CGG&PA) during a series of engagements aimed at strengthening policy research, governance innovation and institutional collaboration.

During the visit, the Chief Secretary toured Campus I and Campus III of the university and inspected various laboratories and academic facilities. He also interacted with officers and faculty members.

Atal Dulloo appreciated the efforts of the faculty and staff in the growth and academic advancement of the university, particularly its introduction of high-end and emerging programmes in frontier sciences and artificial intelligence in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He also lauded the university’s initiatives in strengthening industry linkages, promoting research, and fostering innovation-driven academic collaborations.

Congratulating Prof. Shakil A Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST and his team for the achievements made by IUST, he expressed confidence that the Centre for Good Governance & Policy Analysis would further strengthen the university’s contribution towards policy research and institutional development. He remarked that IUST possesses immense potential to contribute towards improving ease of living for the people through meaningful collaborations with the government and national-level institutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo highlighted the university’s achievements and outlined its vision for academic excellence, innovation, and public engagement. He stated that IUST has emerged as an active contributor to several flagship national missions through its work in sustainability, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and community development. He also thanked the Government for its continued support, which, he said, has enabled the university to strengthen its academic and research ecosystem and expand its engagement with society and industry.

Reviews preparations for SANJY-2026

SRINAGAR, MAY 21: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026).

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioners of Anantnag, Srinagar, Ganderbal and Bandipora, Commissioner SMC, besides Heads of Departments from Rural Sanitation, ULB, Health, FCS&CA, BEACON, KPDCL, PHE, R&B, Animal Husbandry and Labour Departments. Representatives from telecom service providers including BSNL, Jio, Airtel and G-Max were also present.

Reviewing the registration process of service providers, the Divisional Commissioner emphasized on expediting registrations to meet the target of 28,000 service providers  besides ponies. He directed concerned authorities to ensure timely generation of RFID cards for all registered service providers by May 30.

The Divisional Commissioner also reviewed the development of pony stands and was informed that essential infrastructure works including fencing and development of sheds has already been completed. He further instructed officials to conduct health check-ups of ponies and ensure adequate availability of fodder along the yatra routes.

Taking stock of telecom connectivity and bandwidth availability at base camps and along the yatra axes up to the Holy Cave, the Divisional Commissioner directed telecom companies to ensure uninterrupted and efficient network services during the pilgrimage period. Chief Engineer KPDCL was asked to provide uninterrupted power supply to telecom installations.

The meeting also reviewed snow clearance operations, construction of gabion and breast walls, and ongoing repair works along the yatra tracks. Deputy Commissioners were directed to personally inspect the repair and maintenance works being undertaken along the axes.

To facilitate smooth movement and convenience of pilgrims, the Divisional Commissioner called for augmentation of staff at yatri registration counters. He also instructed rationalization of registration counters across the three districts in view of the direct railway connectivity to Srinagar.

Regarding the installation of tents at base camps, the Divisional Commissioner reviewed the allotment process and directed concerned committees to conduct mandatory fire safety audits.

Besides, he reviewed the progress of developmental works being executed by the PHE, KPDCL, R&B, I&FC, SDA, PDA, Tourism Department, ULB and other allied agencies.

Preparations related to SDRF, Information Department, Health Services, Transport Department, FCS&CA, sanitation and other essential services were also comprehensively reviewed during the meeting.

Condoles demise of Er Rashid’s father

SRINAGAR, MAY 21: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar Thursday visited Mawar, Langate to offer condolences at the residence of Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid on the demise of his father, Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh.

The Minister expressed deep sorrow over the passing away of the deceased and conveyed his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family. He prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to endure the immense loss.

The Minister described Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh as a respected and dignified elder whose contributions and values earned him immense regard in the community. He said the demise has created a void not only for the family but also for the people who knew him closely.

MLA, Baramulla, Javid Hassan Beig and MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone also accompanied the Minister during the condolence visit and offered prayers for the departed soul.

Hands newly procured equipment to F&ES Deptt, SDRF, Tehsildars

SRINAGAR, MAY 21: In order to assess and strengthen the district’s emergency response mechanism, the district administration Srinagar on Thursday organized a Table-Top Exercise on disaster-related equipment to review fire and flood disaster preparedness at the DC Office premises here. The exercise was followed by a comprehensive practical demonstration of emergency response equipment and rescue operations.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, who is also the Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), presided over the event.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC/Chairman DDMA stressed the importance of conducting Tabletop preparedness exercises to strengthen disaster response capabilities and ensure prompt action during emergencies. He emphasized that coordinated planning and efficient deployment of resources are essential to minimizing risks and safeguarding lives and property during disasters.

The DC said that disasters often occur without any prior warning and that preparedness in terms of manpower, machinery, and emergency response capacity is the only effective way to minimize losses and respond efficiently during crisis situations. He emphasized that conducting Table-Top Exercises and practical demonstrations is of immense significance in enhancing coordination, strengthening preparedness mechanisms, and building the capacity of departments and field functionaries to deal effectively with disasters and other emergencies.

During the event, the DC/Chairman DDMA handed over disaster-related equipment kits to all Tehsildars of the district to strengthen preparedness at the Tehsil level.

In addition, four high-end rescue boats were also placed at the disposal of the District Administration Srinagar and Srinagar Smart City, with two boats allotted to each for emergency rescue operations.

The exercise was also aimed to evaluate preparedness levels, coordination among departments and operational readiness in the event of fire and flood emergencies. During the practical demonstration, teams displayed the functioning and handling of various disaster-response equipment used in rescue and relief operations. The demonstration also highlighted the importance of timely response, inter-agency coordination, and public safety measures during natural and man-made disasters.

The Table-Top Exercise and practical demonstration witnessed participation from teams of the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Fire & Emergency Services, Civil Defence and other concerned agencies.

ANANTNAG, MAY 21: Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Anantnag, Vikas Ahlawat Thursday chaired the meeting of District Level Implementation Committee of HADP and JKCIP schemes to review the progress of the district under these flagship initiatives.

The meeting was attended by GM DIC, CAO, CAHO, DD Fisheries, DSO, DHO, AMO, representatives of DSHO, AEOs, LDM and other officials.

During the proceedings, department-wise application status, unit establishment, fund utilisation, approval rate, tracking, farm registration and measures to improve credit score and approval rates under these flagship initiatives were reviewed.

Addressing the meeting, the ADC stressed on enhancing coverage, unit establishment, registration of farms and real-time tracking of units on OTA besides ensuring swift disbursal of loan and subsidy components to the beneficiaries.

He directed the CAO and LDM to examine the reverted cases and reconcile the cases properly so that correct figures are maintained adding that the pending applications at banks be expedited to extend the benefits of the schemes to the eligible beneficiaries.

On the occasion, the DLIC approved 1483 cases under HADP and 1193 cases under JKCIP taking the district tally to 40317 and 4272 respectively. Out of the 1483 HADP cases, 1319 are in Agriculture and 108 in Animal Husbandry Departments while as 1148 cases in JKCIP are from Agriculture Department.

Further, against 40317 HADP approved cases, 15590 units (38.66%) stand established while among 4272 JKCIP approved cases, 560 units (13.10%) have been established so far.